Bobby Chambers, born on December 6, 1937, embarked on an illustrious coaching career after graduating from Elizabethton High School in 1955, where he had shone as a basketball and baseball player. Returning to his alma mater in 1959, Chambers commenced his coaching journey, initially serving as an assistant coach under John Treadway, a fellow inductee into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. He took charge of the JV basketball and head baseball teams at Elizabethton High School, demonstrating early on his exceptional coaching abilities and dedication to developing young athletes.

Chambers’ career saw him transition to becoming the head basketball coach at several high schools, including Lynn View High School, Sullivan East High School upon its opening in 1968, and eventually at Tennessee High School. His tenure at Tennessee High School was marked by significant achievements, with his teams making three sub-state appearances and securing a memorable trip to the TSSAA State Tournament. Chambers’ coaching prowess was not only evident in the success of his teams but also in his personal accolades, accumulating over 300 career victories and maintaining an impressive average of 24 wins per season.

Through his participation in various All-Star contests and receipt of numerous coach of the year honors, Chambers’ contribution to high school sports in Tennessee and his service to the TSSAA were widely recognized. Not only did he leave a lasting legacy on the court, but Chambers was also celebrated through his inductions into the Elizabethton High School Hall of Fame and the Carter Co. Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his outstanding impact both locally and at the state level.

In 2022, Chambers' remarkable career and service to the TSSAA were further immortalized with his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. This honor served as a testament to his lifelong dedication to fostering talent, sportsmanship, and excellence among Tennessee's young athletes, marking him as a true icon in the state’s athletic community.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2022
Category: Coach